Carolyn R. Tate

Carolyn Rich Tate quietly departed this life on Monday, October 7, 2024 at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital in Richmond, VA. She was born on July 13, 1948 to the late Mary Wise Rich and Walter Weldon. She was educated in Westmoreland County Public Schools. 

From a young age, Carolyn wholeheartedly embraced her faith in Jesus Christ and became a dedicated member of the Galilee Baptist Church. There, she devoted herself to serving others and was part of the Gospel Ensemble Choir. She also engaged with the Hospitality Committee and the Pastor’s Aide Committee, where she found joy in supporting both the Pastor and the First Lady. Additionally, she took great pleasure in being involved with the youth and their activities within the church. 

Carolyn was a devoted caregiver and homemaker who provided love and support to everyone she encountered. Her warm and nurturing spirit created a sense of comfort and reassurance for many in her life. 

She had an exceptional sense of style, always dressing impeccably with outfits that were beautifully coordinated. Every detail mattered, from her matching hats to her shoes and carefully chosen accessories, creating a polished and fashionable look that turned heads. 

Carolyn was genuinely the Martha Stewart of our family, showcasing an incredible range of skills and talents. She was a true jack of all trades, capable of handling a vast array of tasks; whether it was whipping up delicious meals, baking delightful treats, sewing garments, interior decorating or even taking on home improvement projects, she approached it with proficiency, impressing everyone around her. Carolyn’s hobbies included watching the day time stories, listening to gospel music, shopping via mail catalogs and she had a green thumb for nurturing plants and loved flowers. 

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Rhoda Tate Jr.; mother, Mary W. Rich; father, Walter Weldon; mother-in-law, Bernice Tate; sister, Stella R. Thompson; and long-time companion, Clarence L. Payne.

Carolyn’s honorable life will forever be cherished by her son, Curtis Tate (LaTonya Gaskins), Warsaw, VA; father-in-law, Rhoda Tate Sr., Glebe Harbor, VA; grandchildren, La’Quesha Hickman, Oak Grove, VA and Cambry Tate, Warsaw, VA; siblings: Cherry Scott, Warsaw, VA, Mary W. Thompson (Philip), Kinsale, VA, John Rich, Warsaw, VA, and Doris Rich, Warsaw, VA; brother-in-law, James Tate Sr. (Brenda), Glebe Harbor, VA; aunts, Nannie Ryales (Charles), Ambler, PA and Shirley Wise, Montross, VA; nephew, Walter R. Rich (Serita), Montross, VA; nieces: Margaret D. Sumiel (James), Montross, VA, Lisa Rich, Oldhams, VA, Amanda Thompson (David), Kinsale, VA: niece/god-daughter, Tyisha Rich, White Plains, MD; bonus daughter, Lamika Payne, Suitland, MD; god-daughters, Katina Wise, Montross, VA and Micah Burnett, Atlanta, GA; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, special cousins and friends.  

A Service of Remembrance for Carolyn R. Tate will be held on Saturday, October 19 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of Galilee Baptist Church, 20461 Kings Highway, Montross, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Galilee Baptist Church Cemetery.

The viewing will be on Friday, October 18 from 4PM until 6PM at Galilee Baptist Church and from 10AM until service time on Saturday, 19 at the church.

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